By Sue-Ann Wayow
CALYPSONIAN Dr Leroy Calliste aka “Black Stalin” will be laid to rest today (Thursday, January 5, 2023).
Calliste passed away on December 28, 2022, at age 82 after ailing for some time.
A grand send off is planned for the man who trilled audiences around the world with his catchy songs embedded with history and social movement.
A parade is planned for 9 am from JE Guide Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd at Coffee Street, San Fernando. This will be followed by the funeral service to be held at the Southern Academy for Performing Arts (SAPA) at 11 am and the final service will take place at the Paradise Cemetary, Keate Street, San Fernando.
On Wednesday, hundreds of people showed up for the public viewing at the funeral home.
A musical tribute was also held in San Fernando in honour of the late calypsonian.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley had all issued tributes to the five-time calypso king.
There was also a Black Stalin obituary published in the UK Guardian written by Peter Mason.
